Bumblebees are a flying insect from the order Hymenoptera, family Apidae, genus Bombus. There are currently over 250 identified species and they live primarily in the Northern Hemisphere although some species are also found in South America. (Williams PH 1998). They have been introduced to the Australian state of Tasmania and New Zealand (Buttermore RE 1997). Every species of bee plays an important role in the pollination plants and trees. Pollination is vital for the survival and reproduction of plants. Humans also invest billions of dollars every year into the bee industry as they are farmed worldwide for their honey and beeswax. Honey and beeswax have multiple uses including the human world in cooking, beauty products, candles and medicine (International Bee Research Association 2013).
Website created by Catherine Russo 2013